See a SLIDESHOW of swimming hole photos in these states.
We include some of our favorite hot springs here, but there are more comprehensive western hot springs web sites and guide books. Have a look at our Related Links at Hot Springs Links .

AGUA CALIENTE HOT SPRINGS(AGUA)

Short hike down rough road into canyon with intermittent spring swimming hole and hot springs.

AREA

Coronado N.F.

SANCTION

Unofficial

FEE

None

FACILITIES

None

ACTIVITIES

Swimming, hot tubbing

PHONE

Unknown

CAMPING

Camping nearby at either of two campgrounds- Bog Springs (NF campground, north of here in Madeira Canyon) or
Patagonia Lake S. P. (south of here, toward Nogales)

BATHING SUITS

Optional (very remote)

DIRECTIONS

From Tucson, go south on I-19 and get off at Exit 48. Take Warnaca Rd. east a very short way then go south on the East Frontage Rd. (along I-19). Go a short way to Aamado and turn east (left) on Amado-Mantosa Rd. Where this road ends, turn right on Amado Rd. then turn east (left) again on Forest Rd 184 (Elephant Head Rd.?) cross train tracks and continue on this road then onto Mt. Hopkins Rd. east heading toward the Smithsonian Institution Whipple Observatory. Before you reach the visitors center at the bottom of Mount Hopkins, see a rough, dirt road to the left (FR 183). Either drive down (if your vehicle can do so) or park and walk about a quarter mile down into the canyon across the stream to Agua Caliente Hot Springs.

CAMP VERDE AREA[4 PLACES](CAMV)

In the creeks around Camp Verde, northeast of Phoenix, in the Coconino N. F., there are numerous swimming holes. See DIRECTIONS below for a few of these.

AREA

Coconino N.F.

SANCTION

Unofficial

FEE

None

FACILITIES

At the Clear Creek campground

ACTIVITIES

Swimming, jumping

PHONE

Unknown

CAMPING

Camping nearby at the Clear Creek and Beaver Creek campgrounds.

BATHING SUITS

Some optional (some are very remote)

DIRECTIONS

From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Exit 287 (RT 260) near Camp Verde. Directions below are given from this interchange.

BULL PEN [BULL]: Short hike to a deep swimming hole in West Clear Creek. PHOTO . To get here from the interchange above, go east on RT 260, bypassing Camp Verde, then a few more miles to FR 618 on the left. Go about 2 miles north on FR 618 then turn east (right) on FR 215 and go about 3 miles to a gate that is locked. Park and hike about .5 miles to West Clear Creek where you will see the swimming hole. There is said to be another swimming hole upstream from here about 1.5 miles more. LAT, LON :lat=34.5397, lon=-111.6960(source: measured) (accuracy:exact). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 10/07. Updated 10/17/2007.

CLEAR CREEK CAMPGROUND [CLEA]: Nice Forest Service campground with a swimming hole in West Clear Creek. PHOTO . To get here, continue east on RT 260 past the turnoff for FR 618 (above) a short way to a sign for Clear Creek Campground. Go toward the campground and follow signs to the Day Use Area. Park (pay fee) and follow a short trail down to the creek (you will have to cross an irrigation ditch on the way). LAT, LON :lat=34.5134, lon=-111.7640 (source: measured) (accuracy:exact). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 10/07. Updated 10/17/2007.

WET BEAVER CREEK [WETB]: Hike about 7 miles round trip on the popular and scenic Bell Trail to several swimming holes in Wet Beaver Creek. YOUTUBE , YOUTUBE To get here from I-17 exit 287, continue north on I-17 to exit 298 at RT 179. Take RT 179 east a short way toward Beaver Creek Campground. Follow signs to the Visitor Center but park in the lot just before the visitor center for the Wet Beaver Creek trailhead. Follow this well-developed trail across the desert landscape (sunscreen recommended) and into the canyon to the Bell Crossing where the trail crosses Wet Beaver Creek - about 3.3 miles total. The first swimming holes is just upstream of Bell Crossing, a huge one called "The Crack". There are said to be more swimming holes upstream of here within 1.25 miles of the crossing. LAT, LON :lat=34.6741, lon=-111.6592(source: topozone) (accuracy:exact). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 10/07. Updated 10/17/2007.

BEAVER CREEK CAMPGROUND [BEAC]: Very inviting, large and deep swimming hole at the Beaver Creek Day Use Area. Rope swings (watch for shallow water here) and picturesque red rock bluffs on the far side. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . To get here, continue past the Wet Beaver Visitor Center (above) and park at Day Use Area. Walk across the road and follow the sign to the creek side trail. The swimming hole is just a short walk down this trail. LAT, LON :lat=34.6691, lon=-111.7123(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 10/07. Updated 10/17/2007.

CATALINA MOUNTAINS AREA[1 PLACE](CATA)

Creeks and falls in the Catalina Mountains east of Tucson. See DIRECTIONS for one of them below. (There are others in Sabino Canyon and elsewhere in this area which will be added later)

AREA

Coronado N.F.

SANCTION

Unofficial

FEE

None

FACILITIES

Along Catalina Hwy.

ACTIVITIES

Swimming, jumping

PHONE

Unknown

CAMPING

Camping Along Catalina Hwy.

BATHING SUITS

Some optional (some are very remote)

DIRECTIONS

All directions are from Tucson. See below for details.

FROG HOLLOW [FROG]: Hike about 8.5 miles round trip to a cool swimming hole in the Catalina Mountains east of Tucson. YOUTUBE , YOUTUBE . To get here from Tucson, head east on Tanque Verde Rd. for about 13 miles then continue east on Reddington Rd for about 10 miles (you enter the Coronado N. F. and the Catalina Mountains). You will be near the Chiva Falls trailhead on Reddington Rd. LAT, LON (TRAILHEAD) :lat=32.306265, lon=-110.574253(source: map) (accuracy:approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Hike about 4.5 miles down (south) on this trail to the swimming hole at LAT, LON (FROG HOLLOW - SWIM):lat=32.271292, lon=-110.592964(source: map) (accuracy:approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/2012.

CAVE CREEK
(CAVE)

Three mile (one way) desert hike above a creek along a saguaro-
lined hillside to a deep, compact pool enclosed by several large rocks in the shade of small trees.

AREA

Tonto N.F., Seven Springs Rec. Area

SANCTION

Unofficial

FEE

None

FACILITIES

None (Picnic tables, Toilets nearby)

ACTIVITIES

Swimming

PHONE

Unknown

CAMPING

Camping nearby at either of two free campgrounds- Seven Springs or
the CCC Camp- each beside the creek (but with no drinking water.)

BATHING SUITS

Optional (very remote)

DIRECTIONS

In the Seven Springs Recreation Area of the Tonto National Forest.
To get there, take I-17 north from Phoenix to Exit 223. Follow the Carefree Highway east to
Cave Creek Rd. north. DO NOT turn off at signs to the "Cave Creek Recreation Area", which is
a local park near here. (Make sure you get drinking water as there is none further up.) Stay on Cave Creek Rd. for many miles, through the towns of Cave Creek and Carefree, past numerous
subdivisions, to the sign for the Cave Creek Ranger District office. STOP AT THIS RANGER
STATION FOR MAPS AND INFORMATION. Continue up Cave Creek Rd. as it changes to
FR 24, a dirt road which has some wash boarding but negotiable with a passenger car. About 9
miles past the ranger station you will see the Seven Springs picnic area. Park here and
hike.

Hike from the Seven Springs picnic area. A network of five trails originates in this area; the
one along Cave Creek to the swimming hole is known prosaically as "Trail Number 4". (SEE
THE TRAIL MAP YOU PICKED UP AT THE RANGER STATION) The trailhead for #4 is
just a short walk up Cave Creek Road (FR 24) from the campground, on your left after you
splash through the creek on a low water bridge.

The trail descends and heads west, closely following Cave Creek. It meanders initially through fragrant juniper stands, then up onto the canyon slope high above the water. Stop and enjoy the view: Saguaro cactus standing sentinel over clumpy prickly pear all the way down the canyon. As you cross through the creek the second time, about 3 miles in, the swimming hole is just downstream behind some rocks. There are said to be other swimming holes along this trail as it continues beyond this point for a total length of 9.9 miles, eventually coming our on another forest road (FR 1533 and FR 48).

CLEAR CREEK(CLEC)

Picnicking, camping, swimming and canoeing on a beautiful clear stream and/or lake through rock canyon just outside of Winslow at/near McHood Park. If you bring a canoe, you can paddle through this beautiful canyon too.

AREA

McHood Park

SANCTION

Unknown

FEE

Unknown

FACILITIES

Picnic Tables, Toilets

ACTIVITIES

Swimming, jumping

PHONE

Unknown

CAMPING

Camping at site - no hook ups - may be free camping.

BATHING SUITS

Unknown

DIRECTIONS

From Winslow, take RT 87 south a short way then RT 99 east (left turn) about 4 miles to McHood Park. Also, if you go a mile or two upstream, there are great jumping places into deep, clear water.

These are primo swimming holes in blue-green pools at bottom of Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls on the Havasu Indian Reservation in the Grand Canyon area. It is about an 8 mile hike (1600 feet down) and you must have reservations to camp or stay at the lodge. DO NOT SHOW UP WITHOUT RESERVATIONS and make them well in advance! Call 602-448-2111 for the lodge or 602-448-2121 for general information and camping reservations. For a small fee the Native Americans will haul your camping duffle down canyon by mule or horse. Also, Havasu Creek goes another 10 miles into the Grand Canyon from Havasu and there are many swimming holes along the way. The reservation enforces bathing suits in the pools around Havasu.

[If you are boating down the river, you can hike UP the Havasu Canyon and will encounter other swimming places on the way to Mooney and Havasu. Here are other popular swimming stops for boaters:
1. North Canyon
River Mile 20: Hike one mile up-canyon, scrambling over boulders, to reach a stream where pools are carved into the slickrock. During times of plentiful precipitation, the stream transforms into water slides dropping into plunge pools.
2. Elves Chasm
River Mile 116.5: It’s a quick half-mile scramble to reach this fairy-tale like paradise. Waters from Royal Arch Creek pour over a cliff, creating a waterfall and fern-decked grotto. Climb up on the rocks and jump into the deep, green pool.
3. Deer Creek Falls
River Mile 136: From Deer Creek Falls that cascade just off the Colorado River, hike for 1.5 miles up-canyon through the curving Deer Creek narrows. You will find a stream shaded by cottonwood trees and canyon walls that contain ancient petroglyphs. Here at Deer Creek Spring is a second waterfall and an excellent swimming spot.
4. Beaver Falls
River Mile 157: From the river, hike up narrow Havasu Canyon to reach a set of waterfalls that look more like a scene in Hawaii than a desert canyon. The blue green waters of Havasu Creek cascade hundreds of feet over travertine formations and land in deep pools that are nothing short of paradise for hikers on hot summer afternoons. These falls are located on the Havasupai reservation and sacred to the tribe. Beaver Falls is 4 miles from the river.
5. Mooney Falls
River Mile 157: Continue up Havasu Canyon another 2 miles (6 miles from the river) to reach this mother of all Grand Canyon waterfalls, Mooney, which drops 200 feet into a swimming pool in Havasu Creek.]

AREA

Havasu Indian Reservation and others

SANCTION

Unofficial

FEE

Yes-entrance fee and camping or lodge fee

FACILITIES

All facilities at Havasu lodge and campground

ACTIVITIES

Swimming, rope swing

PHONE

602-448-2121

CAMPING

Camping at site, requires reservations

BATHING SUITS

Required

DIRECTIONS

From Flagstaff, go west on I-40 to exit 149 then west on RT 66. At Nelson, turn north on RT 18 and go 64 miles to Hualapai Hilltop, where the road ends. From here, hike about 8 miles (4 hours) to Supai on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls, both of which have spectacular blue-green swimming holes at the bottom, at within hiking distance of here.

MORMONS CROSSING(MORM)

A couple of swimming places at Mormons Crossing of Oak Creek south of the Sedona area near Cornville. One has rope swing, the other is more of a rapids.

AREA

None

SANCTION

Unofficial

FEE

None

FACILITIES

None

ACTIVITIES

Swimming, Rope swing

PHONE

Unknown

CAMPING

No camping at site. Campgrounds north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon.

BATHING SUITS

Customary

DIRECTIONS

From Sedona, take RT 89A southwest about 11 miles
then turn southeast (left) onto N Page Springs Rd. Stay on Page Springs Rd. for about 6 miles then turn right onto E Purple Sage Rd then turn left to stay on E Purple Sage Rd.. Go about .75 miles then turn north (right) onto E Willow Point Rd. Keep right to stay on E Willow Point Rd. (becomes gravel) and continue until you cross a bridge over Oak Creek. Cross the bridge then turn left and go a short way to a parking area. Trails begin near here and go down to the river. They take you to a deep pool with a rope swing and another place with rapids and a slick rock slide to play in. No more detailed directions.

OAK CREEK AREA [5 PLACES](OAKC)

A very beautiful (but definitely discovered!) canyon along Oak Creek just north of Sedona, AZ on RT 89A through the Kaibab N.F.. Folks come in by the busload so don't expect solitude; take a hike up a side canyon from Oak Creek Canyon just a bit and you'll leave the crowds behind quick enough. There are several informal swimming holes in Oak Creek along RT 89A, look for cars parked on a hot day. See DIRECTIONS below for some of the more popular places.

AREA

Slide Rock State Park; Kaibab N.F.

SANCTION

Varies - see below

FEE

Yes

FACILITIES

Everything at Slide Rock S.P.

ACTIVITIES

Sliding, Swimming, jumping

PHONE

See below

CAMPING

No camping at Slide Rock S.P.. There are several National Forest
campgrounds along RT 89A in Oak Creek Canyon. These are well signed but fill up fast in
good weather so get there early.

BATHING SUITS

Required

DIRECTIONS

Directions are from Sedona:

GRASSHOPPER POINT [GRAS]: A report from a fan: "Grasshopper point is a wonderfully easy swimming hole to access and quite beautiful. Just follow the wide trail to the right of the parking area. A deep green pool invites the young at heart to jump off the twenty foot cliffs and the stream continues downward, providing tamer swimming areas for the rest of us! If you like solitude (the spot is often quite crowded on weekends) you can rock-hop down stream until you find a spot all to yourself. There are also some beautiful spots if you follow the trail that leads to the left of the parking lot. It meanders along the stream with no particular goal, except to enjoy the views. Wander off-trail toward the creek and find your very own piece of heaven! Restrooms/changing areas are available in the parking area. Go early if you go on a weekend, as the place fills up quickly. During the weekdays you can have the place almost all to yourself.

LAT, LON : lat=34.88697, lon=-111.73122(source: web site) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here take RT 89A north from Sedona. Pass over Midgley Bridge , the huge metal bridge across the creek just minutes after town. (There is a little sliding/swimming place under this bridge, too.) Then, soon after you will see a parks and recreation hut to the right and a road that leads down to the creek. It is labeled "Grasshopper Point". Turn right here, pay the $3 parking fee and down you go! Very confident. Not verified. Updated 12/7/2005

SLIDE ROCK S. P. [SLID]: (NOTE: This location is sometimes closed to swimming because of water contamination - check on their web site before you go.) How could we have a western swimming hole site without Slide Rock in
Oak Creek. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3 , PHOTO 4 , YOUTUBE . The west just has to be bigger and better than the east, so they took our eastern Sliding Rock (see North Carolina) and plunked it down in about the prettiest western canyon you could hope to find. Just as in the east, kids some in by the busload so don't expect solitude; take a hike up a side canyon from Oak Creek Canyon just a bit and you'll leave the crowds behind quick enough. It is Slide Rock State Park now, so there will be fee and you'll have to keep that suit on! WEB SITE.

LAT, LON : lat=34.94722, lon=-111.75333(source: web site) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here take RT 89A north from Sedona, past Grasshopper Point (above) about 7 miles to the signs for Slide Rock S.P.. Very confident. Verified. Updated 12/7/2005.

CAVE SPRINGS [CAVS]: Swimming place on Oak Creek accessed from campground. There is a beach with a gentle slope on the near side and a deep swimming hole across the creek under the cliffs. LINK TO PHOTO . To get here, from Slide Rock S. P. (above) continue north on RT 89A about 4 miles to the Cave Springs campground. At the south end of the campground is a small informal path down to Oak Creek. Don’t know about parking here if you are not camping. LAT, LON : lat=34.996,-111.74, lon=-111.78864(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Verified by another. Updated 12/2013

CHAVEZ CROSSING [CHAV]: To get here, from Sedona drive WEST on RT 89A. Just outside town, turn south (left) on FR 216 (Upper Red Rock Loop Road). In a short distance, turn left on Chavez Ranch Rd. and follow it to Oak Creek (you may have to turn right on Chavez Crossing Rd., not sure). Swimming hole/water play place is here in creek. Hike around a bit and you may find other places also. Chavez Crossing group campground (National Forest) is here also. LAT, LON : lat=34.83417, lon=-111.78864(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 2/2010

RED ROCK S. P. [REDR]: At the Crescent Moon Picnic Area, also known as Red Rock Crossing, you can view the spectacular Cathedral Rock and wade and swim in Oak Creek. There is a fee for parking here. LINK TO INFO AND PHOTOS . Can be crowded later in the day. To get here, continue on FR 216 (Upper Red Rock Loop Road). Follow the signs to Red Rock State Park. Park, pay fee, and hike along the creek to swimming holes. No better directions. LAT, LON : lat=34.81197, lon=-111.82812(source: web site) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/2013.

From Phoenix, take RT 87 northeast to Payson. All directions below are given from Payson.

ELLISON CREEK FALLS [ELLI]: Very scenic spot, swimming holes at the falls and below, surrounded by rock slabs. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , YOUTUBE . To get here: From Payson take RT 87 northwest about 2 miles then RT 199 (Houston Mesa Rd.) north. Go about 7.5 miles, cross the creek twice, then turn right on a dirt road and park as you come to a locked gate. Walk down the road past the gate about .4 miles where you will go downhill and across a dry wash. Just past this dry wash, take a trail off to the right down to the creek then walk upstream on the rocks to the falls. There is a swimming hole at the bottom of the falls as well as downstream. LAT, LON :lat=34.3511, lon=-111.2766(source: measured) (accuracy:approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 10/07. Updated 10/17/2007.

There may be swimming holes in the Verde River very near here too. To find them, when you came up Houston Mesa Rd, you will have passed the Water Wheel Campground. If you park there and hike east along the river there are several swimming holes. One is just about .25 mile from the road at the bottom of a narrow gorge (Water Wheel Falls). There are others farther up. (Apparently, if you continue up this trail, you will also come to Ellison Creek Falls, above. So this is another way to get there.) LAT, LON: (OF THE CAMPGROUND) lat=34.352, lon=-111.286 (source: map) (accuracy:approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Uncertain. Not verified. Updated 12/2012.

CHRISTOPHER CREEK [CHRI]: Fairly short hike from Christopher Creek campground into Christopher Creek Canyon. Just south of the Mogollon Rim. Lots of swimming holes and waterfalls in Christopher Creek. Here is a video of a smaller one YOUTUBE . You can camp at the campground or just park in the day use area (pay fee!). You can walk from here into the canyon - not sure about hiking directions - ask at the campground. One trailhead seems to be here: If you walk west from the campground about 1 mile on the shoulder of RT 260 there is a trailhead on the south side of RT 260 (go to the right of the Boy Scout Camp and through the fence) that you can hike about 1 mile or less into the canyon. (There may be no parking signs on RT 260, so walk from the day use area at the campground). Here is a map of this hike . There are other hikes and the swimming holes as well. Opportunities for canyoneering and rappelling but not required. To get here: From Payson take RT 260 east LAT, LON (CHRISTOPHER CREEK CAMPGROUND):lat=34.308, lon=-111.035(source: map) (accuracy:approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very uncertain (of hiking directions). Not verified. Updated 12/2012.

HELLS GATE [HELL]: It's a long, hot, steep and strenuous 13 mile roundtrip hike (better plan an overnight backpack) down to Hell's Gate in the Hells Gate Wilderness in the Tonto N. F.. Trail Description . Take plenty of water. The hike out is very steep uphill. Hells Gate is said to be well worth the effort if you are a backpacker. Rock-walled canyons with stream-side vegetation in the desert and swimming holes to enjoy. Some nice level places to camp too.
To get here from Payson, go east on RT 260 for 11 miles to Little Green Valley. Turn south (right) on FR 405A and drive 1/2 mile south to trailhead LAT, LON (TRAILHEAD): lat=34.27988, lon=-111.13405(source: web site) (accuracy:approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. The trailhead is marked and easily accessible by car.

The hike: Pass through the gate and hike along the old road. The road climbs steeply over a ridge and then follows a fence line. Stay on the road, do not go through any of the gates on the fence. After 1 mile the road forks -- take the left one and follow along the creek.
The trail crosses the creek about 7 times. After 2 miles the trail comes to a corral. From the corral the trail turns right and climbs a very steep hill to the ridge line. There is a fork on top of the ridge; take the left one and continue on the trail as it descends and climbs several small mountains to the top of Hellsgate Ridge, where it enters the wilderness (4 miles).

The trail in this section is sometimes a trail and sometimes and old jeep road. The two criss-cross each other several times. So if you miss the trail the road will get you to the same place but it was usually steeper.
From the wilderness boundary the trail descends for the next 2.5 miles. After 1.5 miles you will come to a large stock tank. The trail gets a bit vague once you reach the creek, but a trail continues on the other side, going west a couple of hundred yards to where Haigler Creek joins Tonto Creek. The banks are rather brushy, but there are a handful of good camping spots near the confluence and the verdant areas along the creeks are inviting places. LAT, LON (SWIM HOLE): lat=-34.21606,-111.09615, lon=-111.13405(source: web site) (accuracy:approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/2012.

HAIGLER CANYON [HAIG]: Campground in Tonto N. F. with several swimming holes around the campground and in nearby canyons. No further information. To get here from Payson take RT 260 east about 24 miles then turn east (right) onto East Colcord Rd. (FR 291). Go about 4 miles then turn south (right) onto Chamberlain Trail (FR 200) and go about 7 miles to the Haigler Canyon Campground (Dirt roads may be difficult after rain. Roads winding with drop offs.). The swimming holes are near here. LAT, LON: lat=34.2194849, lon=-110.96290(source: web site) (accuracy:approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/2012.

TONTO NATURAL BRIDGE S. P. [TONT]: Swimming place in Pine Creek in State Park. Swimming is not allowed under the Natural Bridge. People do swim downstream in Pine Creek. No lifeguard - swimming is at your own risk.
STATE PARK WEB SITE check to be sure it is open before you go. There is an entrance fee. To get here: From Payson head north on RT 87 for about 2.5 miles then, at the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto RT 260 W/RT 87 N. Go about 8.6 miles then turn west (left) at FR 583 and continue a short way to the state park. LAT, LON :lat=34.3207, lon=-111.4565(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 11/09.

NOTE: The road (FR 708) from Strawberry is closed until April 15, 2015. The below directions cannot be used until then. There is another way to get here in the meantime but it is very difficult and is not described here.

To get here: From Payson take RT 87 northwest to Strawberry. In Strawberry, take Fossil Creek Rd. (FR 708) (may be rough dirt, High clearance, 4 wheel drive vehicle may be required - ask at the Forest Service office in Camp Verde about the condition of these roads. ) to the west about 5 miles. Turn right on (unknown name) Rd. Park at the trailhead for trail #18 and hike about 3 miles to Fossil Creek.

Fossil Creek Rd. turns to dirt then go PAST the first turn off to the first Fossil Springs trailhead - keep driving down the side of the canyon into the canyon. There are a couple of tight switchbacks, then , after the second one, there is a small parking area on the right. Park and hike back up the road you came down to the rock with the purple X and follow this trail to the waterfalls. Keep close to the water and there are many swimming holes along the way.

Or, walk downstream a short distance to Fossil Springs, then a bit further downstream to Fossil Dam. We received this note about the dam: "I can give you some good info that in 2005 the Fossil Creek Hydro Dam was being decommission and that part of the stream was posted off limits, I think by the BLM during the decommission. The flume was empty also so it looks like no more flume rides. I never had the nerve to go through the enclosed pipe portion since I was not there with a local who would have rode it first. At the end of Fossil Creek is a primitive BLM camp area on the Verde River." Don't know current status of the dam swimming place, may be gone. LAT, LON (of falls) :lat=34.415, lon=-111.605(source: measured by another) (accuracy:approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/2013.

VERDE HOT SPRINGS [VERD]: NOTE: We received this puzzling and worrisome news from along-time visitor in 1/2014: "Using our thermometer, the outdoor pool registered only 80-83F degrees, a pool usually temping in at 98F while the indoor pool was a mere 100F, and way down from the usually almost too hot 104F. And, we noticed the outdoor hot pocket areas around the feet were no longer flowing the usual “hot” we’ve known. As a result of the decline in the outdoor pool temperature, hot springs visitors were discouraged from its use as a warm shelter from the 40F air temps and that reaction caused the indoor pool to be constantly packed with people trying to be warm. And, going from the hot indoor pool to cool off in the cooler outdoor pool was out—going from fairly hot to cold is no good." Please tell us if you go there and find that the temperatures have returned to their old levels.

Used to be an old hot springs resort but all that remains are several concrete pools in a beautiful desert setting in a canyon on the west bank of the Verde River. PHOTO , PHOTO , LINK TO PHOTO . Being right next to the river, you can also jump in to cool off. The jump, approximately 20 feet, from the sheer ledge of the hot spring concrete area, is into the cold Verde River. (When you jump after being in the 102 degrees springs into the 40-50 degree river and climb back into the springs, there is a sensation of ice cubes being next to your body. Cool!).

1.5 mile hike each way. High clearance, 4 wheel drive vehicle may be required - ask at the Forest Service office in Camp Verde about the condition of the roads mentioned below. No fee. Clothing optional - and PLEASE carry out all trash! To get here from Fossil Creek Rd. (above), continue on Fossil Creek Rd. (FR 708) then onto Childs Powerplant Rd. (FR 502)(High clearance, 4 wheel drive vehicle may be required - ask at the Forest Service office in Camp Verde about the condition of the roads mentioned here.) Continue to the Childs Campground (Forest Service, primitive, vault toilets) In total, from Strawberry, it is about 23 miles of rough road to get to the campground.

Park at the campground and hike upstream (from the north end of campground) along the Verde River, fording the river several times (BE CAREFUL OF CURRENTS) for about 1.5 miles. The Verde Hot Springs are on the opposite side of the river from the campground. LAT, LON :lat=34.355, lon=-111.709(source: Topozone) (accuracy: exact). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 1/14/2003.

From Mesa, travel 7 miles east on the Superstition Freeway (US 60) to Power Road /Bush Highway/Forest Road (FR) 204 and turn north. Follow Bush Highway for 13 miles to FR 169, and turn left. Follow FR 169 for 1 mile to the site. The entire route is paved.

The poor man's Palm Springs! At Roper Lake S.P., for a $10.00
fee (1998), you can camp, hike desert trails, swim in a cool, clear lake with a mountain view and then warm up in a compact man-made rock hot tub fed constantly with natural, non-sulphurous, hot water. There is even a wildlife refuge on the grounds, with a spring-fed fountain and snakes and critters galore.

From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Exit 287 (RT 260) near Camp Verde. Go west on RT 260 then turn left at RT 89a then continue straight onto N. Main St. through Cottonwood. Past Cottonwood, follow the signs toward Tuzigoot National Monument (well worth a visit) - you will turn right and, after you cross the Verde River bridge, turn left on Sycamore Canyon Rd.. Go about 11 miles down this dirt road (along the Verde River), which is rough at places and seems to require a high clearance vehicle except there was a Toyota Camry up there upon a visit in 2007. In any case, it is slow going in parts and may be difficult in a sedan.

Park at the end of the road where the Sycamore Canyon trailhead sign is. Hike down this trail, steeply down at first then upstream along the creek. After about 1.4 miles from the trailhead, you will come to a large rock cairn (rocks in a wire basket) which marks Summers Spring - here you cross the stream and resume the trail on the other side at another rock cairn. Continue .3 miles more and you will cross the stream again and come to a large pool - this is the first swimming hole. There is said to be another swimming hole upstream at Parsons Spring.

A short hike to a waterfall and swimming holes in creek. Best in spring or after a rain, may be pretty dry in late summer.

AREA

Prescott N.F.

SANCTION

Unofficial

FEE

None

FACILITIES

Vault toilets at Lower Wolf Creek campground.

ACTIVITIES

Swimming

PHONE

Unknown

CAMPING

Camping nearby at Lower Wolf Creek campground.

BATHING SUITS

May be optional at downstream swimming holes.

DIRECTIONS

From Prescott, take the Senator Highway about 5 miles (past the YMCA camp) and, after the road turns to dirt, go right at the sign for Upper and Lower Wolf Creek. Go past Lower Wolf Creek campground and after the first curve in the road the trailhead is on your left and is signed Wolf Creek Loop Trail 384. Park off the road.

Wear long pants and hiking shoes. Hike downhill (somewhat steep - loose gravel and slippery rocks may present a hazard). Keep right to hike along Wolf Creek where you may have to bushwhack a bit through bushes and branches. It is about .5 mile to the waterfall and further downstream, as Wolf Creek approaches the Hassayampa River, there are more swimming holes.